Written questions by Dalton.

Communities and Local Government, whether her Department plans to extend the flexible use of capital receipts to include (a) pensions and (b) voluntary redundancies.

I am aware that the previous government consulted on options to extend freedoms for local authorities to use capital resources and borrowing to address budget pressures as well as other measures. This government will need to carefully consider the options available to support local authorities. The government is aware that current flexible use of capital receipts direction is due to end and intends to update the sector in due course. It is important that all decisions are consistent with putting the sector on an ongoing, sustainable financial footing.

Communities and Local Government, whether her Department plans to introduce three year funding settlements for local authorities.

We will be publishing a policy statement in late November, where we will set out our intentions for reform of the local government finance system, including a multi-year settlement starting in 2026-27.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of (a) reinstating and (b) replacing the New Homes Bonus and (c) increasing the S31 grant.

The New Homes Bonus (NHB) provides local authorities with an incentive to support new housing delivery. Since its introduction in 2011, over £10.6 billion has been paid through the NHB in respect of 2.7 million homes. Details of the 2025-26 Local Government Finance Settlement will be set out shortly in the usual way.